Do you want to play a board game that requires you to think and strategize while fetching you a ton of fun? Reversi is for you! It is a classic board game played between two players on an 8×8 grid. In this game, players place colored discs to flank and flip the opponent’s pieces. The aim is to turn the opponent’s pieces into your own. Sounds fun? So, here’s everything you must know to learn how to play the Reversi board game.
Reversi Game Rules
- Each player starts with two pieces in the center, diagonally opposite each other.
- Players take turns placing one piece on the board.
- A move is valid if it flanks one or more of the opponent’s pieces between the newly placed piece and another piece of the same color.
- All opponent’s pieces between the new piece and another piece of the same color are flipped to the player’s color.
- If no valid move is possible, the player must pass their turn.
- The game ends when the board is full or no valid moves are left.
- The player with the most pieces of their color on the board at the end wins. This is how to play reversi.
How To Play Reversi?
Whether playing a computer version or offline, these are the standard reversi game rules you must follow. Take a look at how to play the Reversi board game. If you are familiar with the entire game of Othello, almost the same rules apply here.
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Number of Players
Reversi is a two-player classic game and is designed for head-to-head play. Each player takes turns placing colored discs on the board to capture and flip their opponent’s pieces.
Who Plays First?
According to the reversi rules, the player with the anchoring dark piece typically goes first. The dark discs are usually black, and the contiguous light pieces are often white.
Setup
When it comes to how to play reversi game, the set-up is crucial. Reversi games are played on an 8×8 grid. The board game has a straightforward setup for a new game. Each player has a set of discs- black and white. The game begins with four discs placed in the center in a square of alternating colors. You start moving these pieces on the remaining squares on the board to start the game.
The Objective
The objective of Reversi is to have the majority of your colored discs facing up on the game board when filled. The player with the most colored discs facing up on the game wins. The game concludes when no more legal moves are left, and the board is filled with discs.
Gameplay
As per the reversi rules, the player with the dark discs usually goes first. You take turns placing one disc of your assigned color on an empty square on the board. A move is valid only if it results in the flipping of at least one of the opponent’s game pieces by trapping them between the newly placed disc and another disc of your color.
Discs can be flipped in a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal straight line. When you move around the opponent’s piece with your own on both ends, the trapped discs are flipped to your color. You can make multiple flips in a single move if the opponent’s piece is trapped in different directions.
The game continues until the entire board is filled with discs, or no player can make a legal move. If players cannot legally move on their turn, they pass, and their opponent continues to play.
How to Win Reversi
The game ends when the board is full. The rules remain the same even if you play Reversi online against a computer opponent.
Reversi Strategy: Winning Tips & Tricks
Now you know how to play the Reversi game. But now, let’s discover a few tips and tricks on how to win at reversi!
Grab The Corners
In Reversi, grabbing the corner spots early is a great strategy because once you place a disc there, it can’t be flipped by your opponent. Corners are like safe zones, and they stay yours for the rest of the game. This how to win reversi because it makes it harder for your opponent to take control.
By securing corners, you create a solid base that helps you win more discs across the board. Even if you are playing against a computer, this trick gives you an advantage. So, go for the corners and protect your pawns.
Edge Play
Owning the edges is almost as important as grabbing the corners in this game. When you control the edges, your opponent has fewer places to play. This makes it harder for them to flip your discs.
By slowly building along the edges, you create a strong position that’s difficult to break.
This lets you control the flow of the game and forces your opponent into tougher spots.
Focus on moves that help you lock down these areas. Try this reversi strategy to ace the game.
Think Ahead
When it comes to this board game, you need to be at least a couple of moves ahead in your mind. Look at all the available spots and understand the risks and rewards each move will fetch you.
Try also to understand what your opponent will do when you go with a particular move. Thinking ahead is a crucial strategy that you must master.
Mobility
Mobility is a key factor in Reversi’s strategy. A player with high mobility has greater flexibility, which allows them to adapt to developing game situations. By maintaining open pathways and avoiding overly clustered positions, you can dictate the game’s flow.
You can try to control the central squares to increase your influence over the board. Central control gives you more options for moves and limits your opponent’s freedom. Also, try to avoid creating clusters of your pieces. This helps maintain mobility because clustered pieces limit your options for future moves.
Limit the Number of Pieces
Limit the number of pieces you have on the board at the start of the game. Remember, there is no need to rush. A few pieces help you strategically control the game’s flow and set yourself up for a stronger mid and endgame.
This strategy involves sacrificing a few pieces early to gain control over key positions and improve mobility. By intentionally placing fewer pieces on the board in the early stages, you are sacrificing immediate control for better positioning. This can help you secure essential corners, edges, or central squares crucial for the overall strategy.
Look For Opportunities
Make sure you maintain open spaces in the game. Why? Because if you run out of available spaces to place your pieces, you will lose a turn.
This will give your opponent an advantage. By leaving ample open spaces, you ensure that you always have options for placing your discs and can adapt your strategy based on the game’s progress.
Play Carefully
Every move counts. So, play carefully, think ahead, and ensure every move is a legal move. When you rush, it can leave your discs vulnerable to being flipped. Keep your eye on strategic spots like corners and edges, but don’t grab them too early if it puts you at risk.
Try to limit your opponent’s moves by keeping the board tight. Sometimes, passing up obvious moves can lead to a better position later. Stay patient, control the game’s pace, and look for opportunities to outsmart your opponent. Careful and smart moves are what can lead you to victory.
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FAQs
How to win at the Reversi game?
To win a Reversi game, first perfectly learn how to play reversi. Then, make sure you aim to have most of your colored discs facing up when the 8×8 board is filled. In this game, players place their discs strategically and flip the other player’s pieces on the board to their assigned color facing up. It is always best to capture corners and edges for tactical advantages.
Is Reversi a solved game?
Hiroki Takizawa, a bioinformatician at Preferred Networks in Japan, has reportedly achieved a breakthrough in solving Othello or Reversi. You, too, can learn how to play the reversi game from our blog above.
What is the difference between the Othello game and Reversi?
Othello and Reversi are the same game. It was previously known as Reversi before being rebranded to Othello in the 1970s.
Is Reversi a real game?
Yes, Reversi is a real and widely played board game. You can easily learn how to play reversi game by understanding the rules of reversi. It is also known as Othello, a trademarked version of the game. You can also play Reversi online against a computer or other players from across the globe.
What is the aim of the Reversi game?
As per the rules fo Reversi, the game aims to have the majority of your colored discs facing up on the game board when it is full. Is a Reversi board different than an Othello board?
No, a Reversi board and an Othello board are the same. Both games use an 8×8 grid, and the rules for placing and flipping pieces are identical. Although the games have different names, Othello is essentially a modern commercial version of Reversi.
